IP Library Granted Patent US 7,527,840
Granted Patent B2
US 7,527,840 · App. 11/291,421 · Granted May 5, 2009

Flexible laminate having an integrated pressure release valve

Assignee: The Folgers Coffee Company
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,527,840
App. No.
11/291,421
Granted
May 5, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

A multilayered flexible laminate is disclosed that includes a first lamina having a inlet channel; a second lamina having a outlet channel; the first and second laminas joined to one another about an unbonded valve region having open and closed orientations; wherein the inlet channel and the outlet channels are in gaseous communication when the valve region is in the open orientation.

Claims (29)

1. A multilayered flexible laminate having an integrated pressure release valve and for use with a container, comprising:

a. a first lamina having at least one inlet channel that passes through the first lamina;

b. a second lamina having at least one outlet channel that passes through the second lamina;

c. the first and second laminas at least partially bonded to one another about an unbonded valve region having open and closed orientations and having a liquid film disposed therein; and

d. particles mixed with the liquid film at a location proximate to the inlet channel wherein the inlet and outlet channels preferentially permit gaseous communication in one direction within the valve region when the valve region is in the open orientation;

wherein the inlet channel is open to the inside of the container to permit one direction gaseous communication from the inside of the container into the valve region; and

wherein the particles comprise a particle selected from the group consisting of powdered polymers, silica, carbon, carbon black, and mixtures thereof.

2. The laminate of claim 1 wherein a gas enters through the inlet channel, travels through the valve region and exits through the outlet channel.

3. The laminate of claim 1 wherein the valve region moves between open and closed orientation in response to a change in pressure.

4. The laminate of claim 1 wherein the first lamina comprises an organic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, and combinations thereof.

5. The laminate of claim 1 further comprising at least two inlet channels.

6. The laminate of claim 1 further comprising at least two outlet channels.

7. The laminate of claim 1 wherein the liquid film comprises a fluid selected from the group consisting of water, oils and mixtures thereof.

8. The laminate of claim 1 wherein the second lamina comprises an organic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, and combinations thereof.

9. A multilayered flexible laminate having an integrated pressure release valve and for use with a container comprising:

a. a first lamina having at lease one inlet channel that passes through the first lamina, the inlet channel disposed proximate to a liquid film having particles disposed therein;

b. a second lamina having at least one outlet channel that passes through the second lamina, the outlet channel disposed proximate to the liquid film; and

c. the first and second laminas bonded to one another about an enclosed unbonded valve region having open and closed orientations;

wherein the particles comprise a particle selected from the group consisting of powdered polymers, silica, carbon, carbon black, and mixtures thereof;

wherein the inlet and outlet channels are offset from one another to preferentially permit gaseous communication in one direction within the valve region when the valve region is in the open orientation; and

wherein the inlet channel is open to the inside of the container to permit one direction gaseous communication from the inside of the container into the valve region.

10. The laminate of claim 9 wherein the first lamina further comprises a gas impervious layer disposed thereon.

11. The laminate of claim 9 wherein the first lamina further comprises a metallized layer deposited on the gas impervious layer.

12. The laminate of claim 9 further comprises a sealant layer disposed thereon.

13. The laminate of claim 9 wherein the laminate is bondable to a container.

14. The laminate of claim 9 wherein the particles comprise powdered polymers selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyester, silicone and combinations thereof.

15. The laminate of claim 9 wherein the liquid film comprises silicon oil.

16. The laminate of claim 14 wherein the particles comprise powdered Nylon.

17. A container sealed with the laminate of claim 1 .

Assignments (3)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 30, 2011
From: FOLGERS COFFEE COMPANY, THE
To: FOLGER COFFEE COMPANY, THE
Reel/Frame 026833/0171 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 1, 2009
From: ZEIK, DOUGLAS BRUCE
To: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
Reel/Frame 022903/0794 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 21, 2008
From: MILLER, STEVEN W. - ASSISTANT SECRETARY ON BEHALF OF THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
To: FOLGERS COFFEE COMPANY, THE; KNUDSEN, JEANNETTE L.; EKONOMON, ADAM, ESQ.
Reel/Frame 021861/0880 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation In Part 1114564900 · Jun 6, 2005
Provisional Application 6058323700 · Jun 25, 2004
Related Publication 20060083877A1 · Apr 20, 2006